T-shirt image

History of Tribeca Buildings

New Kid on the Block: Mauri

A family-run, Milan-based shoe company for over 50 years, Mauri has opened a store (with offices in back) at 92 Chambers, in what was most recently Haircutters of Paris. Although the shoes are sold in 26 countries, this is the company’s first store anywhere. The wholesale offices had previously been located at Mauri’s warehouse in New Jersey.

Mauri started as a men’s shoe brand, but now offers some women’s and kids’ shoes, as well as belts, belt buckles, bags, and hats. The shoes are made in Italy, many by hand, from actual skins—alligator, crocodile, ostrich, stingray, calf, kid-skin, and kangaroo. “We never use impressions,” said Robert, the store manager. “And because the skins are all real, you can be guaranteed that every pair is unique.” (Made to order is also an option.) The style is exuberant, and occasionally blingy—these are shoes for people who like to make an impression. “We have an international customer base,” said Robert. “Musicians, rap artists, athletes.”

The room doesn’t try to compete with the richness of the shoes (and “richness” is the right word, with prices for men’s shoes starting at $450). Designed by Carlo Enzo Frugiuele of Urban Office Architecture—over at 66 W. Broadway—it’s all exposed brick, opaque glass, and clean white lines.

Why Tribeca? And why specifically this part of Tribeca? “There’s a lot going on,” said Robert, indicating the flow of people in front of the big windows and the hotel that’s coming across the street. “We’re convinced that the higher-end shopping district will extend to here.” In the meantime, Mauri plans on bringing its own excitement: The company is in discussions to host cocktail parties with the likes of Atlantic Records.

Mauri is at 92 Chambers (between Church and Broadway); 212-608-2590, mauirshoes.com.